The search continues for a missing off-duty City of Arcadia firefighter in the back country north of Fillmore. Michael Herdman, age 36, was reported missing on the evening of June 15th. Numerous search & rescue resources have searched the rough terrain day and night during the past week.

Herdman was last seen by a hiking partner June 13th. Herdman's friend eventually returned to the starting point of the four-day backpacking loop. Many search & rescue resources have joined in the search, including teams from Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Fresno County Sheriff's Department, Kern County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Sheriff's Department, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department, Civil Air Patrol, Department of Homeland Security Rapid Response Team, and Ventura County Sheriff's Aviation Unit and Search & Rescue K-9's. Search & Rescue teams are specially trained personnel that volunteer their time away from work and their families to train and participate in rescue operations. Up to 75 personnel are attached to this incident each day.

Air Search & Rescue operations also include the use of the Qube Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Ventura County Sheriff's Office received a temporary emergency certificate of authorization to deploy the UAS in the search area. Simi Valley based Aeronvironment contributed a Puma UAS in the search. Aeronvironment is operating the Puma with a certificate of authorization under direction from the University of Alaska.

Search & Rescue teams have been working in rugged terrain during warm daytime temperatures. Thus far, there have been four search team members injured during the incident, ranging from a rattlesnake bite to heat exhaustion.
Hikers are discouraged from entering the search area as this operation continues.

Prepared by: Captain Don Aguilar

Update: Herdman’s dog Duke was found on Sunday at the trailhead, where Herdman and fellow hiker Tyler Byars began their hike.

City of Fillmore

06/03/14
Theft Identity
100 Blk. B St.
Keep the Peace
800 Blk. Oliver St.
200 Blk. B St.
Theft
1100 Blk. Oriole Cir.
Search Warrant
400 Blk. Main St.
Disturbance Fireworks
Blaine Ave./Central Ave.
Shots Fired
30 Blk. 4th St.
06/04/14
Surveillance
B St./Blaine Ave.
Vandalism
700 Blk. Walker Ln.
Keep the Peace
700 Blk. 5th St. CONTINUED »

SACRAMENTO – The first two human infections with West Nile virus this season have been reported by Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties, announced Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer. The patient from Contra Costa County has since recovered and been released from the hospital, and the patient from San Joaquin County has tested positive for the virus but is not showing symptoms at this time.

“These reported West Nile virus cases remind us that taking a few minutes to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites can make a big difference,” said Chapman. “West Nile virus activity is greatest during the summer.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

To date in 2014, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes and birds in 19 California counties.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water on your property, including buckets, old car tires, rain gutters, birdbaths, and pet bowls. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

www.cdph.ca.gov

Fillmore Unified School District

The June 17, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting was the final meeting for Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino and Assistant Superintendent Michael Johnson, and was standing room only. There were many heartfelt goodbyes by teachers and Board Members to both outgoing superintendents. Board Member Tony Prado expressed his gratitude to Nishino in holding those employees accountable that were not holding up their end and their accomplishments. He gave high marks in what both men had achieved during their three years with the District.

A public hearing item on the agenda, the use of Proposition 30 Education Protection Account, was discussed briefly with one person asking how much money the district received due to Prop. 30 and when it was received. Assistant Superintendent Business Services Deo Persaud responded, "Three and a half million this year...we receive one fourth of that amount every quarter. The law requires one hundred percent of the funds go to staff instruction (teachers)."

Nishino then commented CONTINUED »

A boat overturned on Lake Piru Sunday, causing the rescue of 14 people from the cold waters. Ventura Fire personnel rescued all the victims.

A call went out from a park ranger at 4:30pm, reporting a capsized boat in the north end of the popular recreational lake. It was reported that the 16-foot vessel was cited for having too many people on board and not enough life jackets. The Sheriff’s Department said rough waters and high winds also contributed to the incident.
Five adults, and nine children, ranging from infants to eight years old, were on board the overloaded boat. Most of the children were wearing life vests.

The Ventura County Fire Department responded with three engine companies, four ambulances and the Sheriff’s helicopter at the scene. The helicopter was cancelled when a medi-vac helicopter out of Los Angeles County was called to transport two patients to the hospital. Another seven patients were taken to local hospitals by ambulance. The rest were treated at the scene and released. Only minor injuries were reported.

City of Fillmore

05/27/14
Vandalism
D St./Ventura St.
400 Blk. Fillmore St.
Accident – Non Injury
Central Ave./Ventura St.
Disturbance Fireworks
400 Blk. Blaine Ave.
05/28/14
Battery
800 Blk. 3rd St.
Accident – Non Injury
Los Serenos Dr./Ventura St.
Theft Residential
300 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Surveillance
600 Blk. Saratoga St.
Hit & Run – Non Injury
N C St./Ventura St.
05/29/14
Vandalism
600 Blk. Lemon Way
300 Blk. 4th St.
Abandoned Vehicle
Mockingbird Ln./Oriole Cir.
Forgery
1100 Blk. Oriole Cir.
05/30/14
Search Warrant CONTINUED »

UPDATE: Mike Herdman's body was found on Friday, 2-weeks to the day he disappeared in the wood Sesoe backcountry.
A major search is underway for a missing off-duty Arcadia firefighter in the Los Padres National Forest north of Fillmore. Mike Herdman, 34, has been missing since Friday in the Tar Creek Trail area.

Herdman was hiking in the rugged terrain with a fellow firefighter, Taylor Byars. The two were sitting around a campfire Friday night when Herman’s dog ran off and he ran after it. He was barefoot and wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. Byars searched for Herdman but could not locate him.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department dispatched two helicopters and a Search and Rescue Team of approximately 15 on Monday, but was unable to locate Herdman. Rescue personnel were back out at first light on Tuesday to resume the search in the Dough Flat area, where a temporary command post has been set up.

Herdman is an experienced hiker but has no food or water with him. He is a seven year veteran of the Arcadia Fire Department.